Radiographic studies on the temporomandibular joint by means of submentovertical projection

Condylar angulation in the transverse plane

Abstract

The investigation of the shape of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the condylar angulation in the transverse plane were made by using xeroradiography obtained from the submentovertical projection. Each condylar angulation was measured between the condylar long axes and the line which connected the midpoints of both ear-rods. Then, the condylar angulation of patients with so-called TMJ arthrosis were compared with those of normal volunteers.
The results were as follows.
1) In 76 patients with so-called TMJ arthrosis, the condylar angulation of the left side ranged from-12.0 ° to+29.0 ° and that of the right side ranged from-7.0 ° to+33.5 °. In 20 normal volunteers, the condylar angulation of the left side ranged from +5.5 ° to +16.5 °, whereas that of the right side ranged from +4.0 ° to +22. 5 °
2) The condylar angulation of seven patients (9.2%) showed negative angles out of 76 cases.
3) Out of patients with negative condylar angulation, six patients complained of sound, six patients of limitation and one patient of pain.